Is Cripple Creek, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.5/100
waterverge.com Cripple Creek, CO — Water Quality Report
Cripple Creek's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,491 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 67 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cripple Creek's water
Cripple Creek ranks #92 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cripple Creek, CO water safe to drink?
Cripple Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,491 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cripple Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cripple Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4731). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cripple Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cripple Creek's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Teller County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Fourmile Creek Below Cripple Creek.
Where does Cripple Creek's water come from?
Cripple Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,491 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Fourmile Creek Below Cripple Creek (river).
What Cripple Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cripple Creek's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cripple Creek's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cripple Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cripple Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CRIPPLE CREEK & VICTOR GOLD MINING CO VICTOR, CO80860 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTeller County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Teller County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cripple Creek's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.000 mg/L (2008)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cripple Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Cripple Creek ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cripple Creek's water comes from
Cripple Creek's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,491 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cripple Creek
Cripple Creek is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cripple Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIPPLE CREEK CITY OF | CO0160100 | 2,817 | SW |
| MOUNTAIN MUTUAL WA | CO0160350 | 674 | GW |
How Cripple Creek compares
Full Colorado rankings →Cripple Creek's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Cripple Creek, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cripple Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Teller
Frequently asked questions
Is Cripple Creek, CO tap water safe to drink?
Cripple Creek's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #92 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Cripple Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 4.4 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Cripple Creek's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Cripple Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cripple Creek's water come from?
Cripple Creek's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,491 residents.
What health violations has Cripple Creek's water system had?
Cripple Creek has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cripple Creek's water compare to other cities?
Cripple Creek ranks #92 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 63% of state cities) and #8977 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.